This month’s featured artist is truly inspirational. Still reeling from the loss of two of her dogs Jojo and Zoe, within two weeks of each other, Carrie Jacobson has found a way to channel her grief into a new project ‘101 Dogs.’ A beautiful, creative tribute.
A portion of all proceeds will go to help groups that rescue, shelter and train dogs.
Thank you, Carrie, for sharing your project and the following information with us:
What inspires you?
The beauty of the natural world, and the creatures in it, are all I need to be moved to paint. The love on a dog’s face, the light on a field of ripe soybeans in autumn on the Eastern Shore, the colors of the sky and sun lighting the planes of a mountain, these sights make me catch my breath and make me want to paint.
Do you have a favourite subject(s)? If so, what is it about that subject that speaks to you?
I paint lots of things, and I think I would have to say that light is my favorite subject, generally. I try to paint not the thing itself, but the thing as it is defined and illuminated by the light. Beyond that, I love painting dogs, cows, flowers and landscapes.
I’ve just launched a big dog-painting project, so my focus is on dogs now. I love painting dogs in part because I just love them. Given a choice to spend time with most dogs I know or most people, on most days I’d pick dogs. Their hearts and souls show on their faces, and that’s why I love to paint them – and be with them. Dogs don’t lie or hesitate. They don’t complain or whine. They’re not embarrassed by their love or their hate or their need to find their place in the world.
What is your preferred medium, why?
Oil paint! I am attracted by the depth of color, the smooth quality of the paint, the way I can pile it up and give it texture and surface so it captures the light. I paint with a palette knife, and I work to build an impasto that adds to the character and voice of the painting.
Where is your favourite place to paint?
Outdoors. My best day is to drive to a place I’ve never seen, and be struck by a breathtaking view, then pull over and paint. Second best is my studio at home, with the dogs barking in the yard, and coming in to say hello and cause trouble. The dog of my heart, Jojo, was my studio dog, and spent her days in there with me while I painted when I was at home. She died in September, and my life in the studio is changed forever without her.
Artists connect with the pieces they create. Please share with us the work(s) that are most meaningful to you (evokes positive or negative emotions) and why.
Great question. The paintings I’ve made of our own dogs, the ones who have passed and the ones who are living, are surely closest to my heart. My first painting ever, which I made nine years ago, when I was 50, is probably the most meaningful to me.
I made a painting trip to the Navajo Reservation this past winter, and painted there, and many of those paintings have deep ties to my heart, good and bad. I was born there, and went back to see what I would see, what I would feel, and whether I could draw any links from the early landscape of my life to my outlook as a painter. It was not a journey of joy, but it was one of insight.
One dog painting stands out. I donated a gift certificate for a portrait to a nonprofit group that runs an auction at a show in which I often participate. The couple who won it have a daughter whose beloved dog had just died. They had me make the painting, and then they brought their daughter to a show I was in. I hung the painting on the wall, and they showed up, with the daughter not knowing anything about their gift.
Is there anything (else) you would like people to know about Carrie Jacobson?
My project, 101 Dogs, is just taking off. I’m going to make 101 paintings of people’s dogs and collect them in a book and a poster. If you sign up at $375 or more, you get an original painting (or more), a book or poster and some other merchandise from the project (depending on your level). I will donate a portion of each purchase to a dog-related group, so it’s really good for everyone.
Artist’s favourite colour?
It seems to change! Right now, it’s yellow, though my brother has told me that if blue hadn’t been invented, I couldn’t paint.
Please click links (shared above) to learn more about Carrie and her beautiful work.
Caren Gittleman says
oh my her artwork is just beautiful!!! Gorgeous!
Caren Gittleman recently posted…Winners! Book:Monday at Jelly Roll Dog Park by Jennifer Schreiber
Sadie says
Hi Caren, thank you for stopping by! Yes, Carrie is very talented indeed.
carrie jacobson says
Thanks, Caren! I’m so glad you like my dog paintings. You can see my other paintings on my blog: http://carriejacobson.blogspot.com
carrie jacobson says
I’m so honored that Sadie wanted to introduce me on her blog!
Sadie says
The honour is mine! Thank you Carrie, and best of luck with your ‘101 Dogs’ project!
Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) says
Wow! That art is so gorgeous!
Lauren Miller (ZoePhee) recently posted…The Bridge of the Gods
Sadie says
Hi Lauren, thanks for stopping by!
Nichole says
Love those portraits!
Nichole recently posted…Sophie’s Journey with #AvoDermNatural Revolving Menu
Sadie says
They are gorgeous, indeed.
Beth | Daily Dog Tag says
These portraits are beautiful! I’m so sorry to hear that Carrie lost both her dogs in such a short time span. That must have been so sad, but what a wonderful tribute.
Beth | Daily Dog Tag recently posted…Live Adventurously: #PinnacleHealthyPets
Sadie says
Thank you Beth.
Tenacious Little Terrier says
What a great tribute to her dogs. I love the story about how the couple surprised their daughter with the painting gift.
Sadie says
Wasn’t that beautiful? Wonderful gift.
Carleen says
Love these, and I see a corgi, yay!
Carleen recently posted…Keep Your Pet Safe With #NuzzleSmartCollar GPS Tracking
Sadie says
Lol. Someone special for everyone!
The Island Cats says
Wow, Miss Carrie’s art is beautiful! Thanks for sharing with all of us.
The Island Cats recently posted…I’m Wild About #Delightibles Wild Country Meats™ Cat Treats!
Sadie says
My pleasure. It was an honour to do so.
Kelly says
It’s always difficult when we have to say goodbye to one of our pets, but this is a lovely way to channel your grief and help support others as well. Lovely paintings.
Kelly recently posted…Pugs on Squirrel Patrol
Sadie says
Thanks Kelly!
Elizabeth Keene says
Beautiful work. I love the vivid colors; reminds me a little of Dean Russo’s art. What a wonderful way for this artist to turn her grief (so awful losing both her dogs) into something others will cherish.
Elizabeth Keene recently posted…Watch My #TrickorTreatDogs Smooch Me on Command and You Could Win Up to $1000 in Prizes!
Sadie says
Cherish indeed! Thanks Elizabeth.
Kristen–well minded says
This is just beautiful in every way. The story and the artwork. I have a degree in art history and am now a professional pet sitter and pet lifestyle & wellness blogger, so this touched me on every level. WONDERFUL work on all accounts!
Kristen–well minded recently posted…the black cat bias
Sadie says
I’m glad it resonated with you Kristen.
Robin says
Gorgeous paintings! I can see what she means about painting the light. This sounds like a really fun project to do! I hope she has a lot of success with it.
Robin recently posted…Halloween Movies Starring Cats Word Search
Sadie says
Thanks Robin!
Kelsie - It's Dog or Nothing says
These are wonderful! I’ve been looking to get portraits done of Mauja and Atka 🙂
Kelsie – It’s Dog or Nothing recently posted…Fluffy Crawl & $1000 in Prizes #TrickorTreatDogs
Sadie says
I hope you do Kelsie! Photographs are wonderful but there is something about the translation of a painting…
MattieDog says
What beautiful pieces of art, such amazing talent! Also, the project sounds fabulous and I wish all the best!
Sadie says
Thank you MattieDog!
Carol says
Amazing work. Really enjoyed the interview.
Sadie says
Thank you Carol.
Suzanne Dean says
Beautiful artwork. Sorry for your lose Carrie. All us pet lovers know what that feels like. However, you have found a door that opened to help you through the grieve.
Great post Sadie, thanks for sharing ❤️
Suzanne Dean recently posted…STOP! Donât throw that Pumpkin Away! Dogs: Healthy Food Healthy Dog Happy Dog
Sadie says
Thanks for visiting Suzanne!
Maureen says
These portraits are beautiful. I love the expressions that have been captured. Great work!
Maureen recently posted…Start With A Lab and Add a Poodle: Labradoodle
Sadie says
Carrie definitely caught their personalities.
Jessica B Gibson says
LOVE THESE!!!!
Sadie says
Thanks for visiting Jessica!
Cathy Armato says
Thanks for sharing what inspires you, and for sharing your 101 Dogs project. These paintings are really beautiful, each dig is so unique!
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Cathy Armato recently posted…Loving the Beauty of Fall
Spencer the Goldendoodle says
Love, love, love this art work!!! 🙂
Carol says
I would love to own one of these pieces of art. She really captures the soul of an animal
Sadie says
I’m sure Carrie would do an amazing ‘Dex’ portrait.
Sweet Purrfections says
Such beautiful art work! Thanks for sharing.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Waiting for the Great Pumpkin Kitty – A Review and Giveaway
Sadie says
Your cats would make for beautiful paintings!
Mary Haight says
Wonderful method of healing, and loved the idea that light is her focus. I’m so sorry to hear she lost her dogs. Thanks for introducing her and her work.
Mary Haight recently posted…Pound Seizure: Shelters and Research Labs
Sadie says
My pleasure! Thanks for visiting, Mary.